Private Members' Statements

Private Members' Statements

The Hon. D.G. PISONI (Unley) (18:02): The AFL has been right to say that there is no place for homophobic slurs on the football field and has handed down some strong penalties to players who have used them. But what message does it send when in the same season the AFL engages Snoop Dogg to headline its grand final entertainment?

Snoop Dogg is an artist whose earlier work that made his career is littered with the very same language of hate. That contradiction suggests a systematic blind spot in the AFL's understanding of how damaging this language is. Punish a 23-year-old footballer and then for the biggest event of the season give centrestage to someone who has made a career normalising the same abuse.

Women's groups have already voiced strong opposition to Snoop Dogg's appearance, pointing to his long history of misogynistic lyrics and treatment of women. When this is added to his record on homophobic slurs, the AFL's decision looks even more tone-deaf. That contradiction suggests a systemic blind spot in the AFL's understanding of how damaging this language is. If the AFL were serious, it needs to show consistency because anything less undermines the very standards it claims to uphold.

Ms HOOD (Adelaide) (18:04): I rise to give a huge congratulations to the Walkerville Netball Club, the Cats, on its elevation to the Hospital Research Foundation Group Premier League from the 2026 season. The club will field teams in both the premier division and the reserves division. Founded in 2010 by five country netballers, over the last 15 years it has grown to become the equal largest club in the Adelaide Metropolitan Netball Division, with more than 450 players. This is a true country club in the city and I want to congratulate president of the Walkerville Netball Club, the impressive, the formidable, the incredible Jessica Nicholls.

This is a team effort, so I want to thank Jess along with current and former AMND committee members Lou, Nanette, Trudy and Peter; head coach, Kate; and junior head coach, Ellee. I also want to thank Michelle and Kate, who contributed to the application process, along with others who served on the board, such as Sarah, Emma, Alicia and Trudy. Thank you to the coaches, umpires, volunteers and, importantly, the players.

This club was an inspiration to me to deliver a brand-new Walkerville Recreation Centre, in partnership with the Town of Walkerville, which will deliver recreation services to the heart of Walkerville, including a two-court stadium for netball, basketball and other sports. The future is bright for the Walkerville Netball Club and the Town of Walkerville. Congratulations to the whole club.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta) (18:05): I love any opportunity celebrating the next generation of young people who are going to come and serve in this place in the years ahead. I celebrate Scott Kennedy, the candidate for Morialta; Julian Amato, the Liberal candidate for Adelaide; Lamorna Alexander, the Liberal candidate for Mount Gambier; Anna Finizio, the Liberal candidate for Dunstan, and so many other wonderful candidates coming through the system who I am sure will serve this place well.

But lifting the eyes above the horizon, I am also tremendously encouraged by the young people I meet in our schools who may be the generation after that. I want to highlight to the house the potential in a young man by the name of Tanishvel Manivel, who has spent the afternoon with us in this chamber. He came in for a meeting with me to talk about his passion for youth representation, housing and opportunities for young people to succeed in this state. That meeting was supposed to be just before question time and I did not get to him before question time. He was engaged in listening to the important contributions through the two hours of condolence motions. He was engaged through question time. He has been engaged through this grievance debate.

He has contributed to our state through the Youth Advisory Committee at Campbelltown City Council and the state government, the student SRC and the Youth Ambassador for Human Rights with Amnesty International. Mate, I am very excited to see what you do in the years ahead. I think that you are reflective of so many other young people in this society who will contribute great things in the years ahead and I cannot wait to see it happen.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (18:07): Last Friday was VP Day (Victory in the Pacific Day) and there was a special ceremony held in Canberra to mark the occasion. A number of World War II veterans were invited to be part of that and one of those veterans was Reg 'Swannie' Swanborough. He is a resident in my electorate.

Reg, or Swannie as he is better known, turns 103 on 30 September this year. He was quite proud to tell us that he is the oldest retired copper in this state. He is the sole survivor of a major sea battle during World War II. He is the RAA's longest serving member at the moment. He is the oldest driver's licence holder. He actually still drives his car at 103. He is also the oldest marcher on ANZAC Day and at other services.

He served originally in the Royal Navy and then left the Royal Navy at the end of World War II and joined the Australian Navy and spent over 30 years in the Navy. He saw some horrific things during his time at sea, but he has still obviously lived life to the fullest. He is quite active. He goes to the gym twice a week. When he left the Royal Navy, he was a union member, worked on the harbour board, sold insurance, was with SAPOL and was in the Reserves. He has lived a full life and I wish him a happy 103^rd birthday for 30 September.

At 18:09 the house adjourned until Wednesday 20 August 2025 at 10:30.